Successful Execution Research Articles

Challenges of drilling Iran’s deepest surface hole in the saddle section of Changuleh oilfield with complex structure and pressure regimes

This paper presents a novel case study on successfully drilling the deepest surface hole in the Changuleh Oilfield in western Iran. The well between the Changuleh and Azar anticlines posed significant challenges due to its complex geological formations and high-pressure regimes. The main goal is to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Sarvak Formation, analyze its connection with Azar structures, and identify the water and oil interface. An optimized combination of drilling techniques was employed to overcome these challenges, including strategic alternation of tri-cone and PDC bits, tailored drilling fluid design, and continuous wellbore stability monitoring, significantly reducing non-productive time and improving drilling efficiency. The average penetration rate was 2.13 m per hour, achieved under challenging conditions characterized by complex geological formations and high-pressure regimes. While this rate indicates operational efficiency, it is important to note that the drilling team continuously managed various challenges, including maintaining wellbore stability and optimizing drilling parameters to mitigate potential drilling issues. The study highlights the importance of optimizing drilling fluid design and continuously monitoring wellbore stability to overcome challenges posed by complex geological formations. According to geomechanical studies, seven drilling sections are optimal for accessing reservoir layers in this field. The drilling program has achieved a significant milestone by reaching a depth of 2200 m in one of Iran’s most challenging Oilfields. The installation of a 20-inch surface casing, which is a significant accomplishment in their operations, demonstrates the success of the drilling program. This case study aims to thoroughly analyze the engineering and operational aspects of drilling, running, and cementing the country’s deepest and heaviest surface casing. Specifically, it aims to provide insights into the successful execution of drilling operations in complex geological formations and high-pressure environments. Tri-cone bits significantly improved penetration rates compared to previous drilling operations in the field, with average rates ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 m per hour. Using PDC bits for the first time in this well also resulted in higher drilling progress rates. These findings suggest that these novel techniques can be applied to similar drilling operations to improve drilling efficiency and reduce non-productive time.

Real-world visual search goes beyond eye movements: Active searchers select 3D scene viewpoints too.

Visual search is a ubiquitous task; people search for objects on a daily basis. However, the majority of the existing visual search literature focuses on passive search on a 2D computer screen, a far cry from emulating a real-world environment. Search is a real-world task that involves active observation. Search targets may be occluded, completely out of the observer's line of sight, or oriented in unconventional ways. This is typically mitigated by actively selecting viewpoints, an important aspect of search behaviour with limited scope on a computer screen. Our goal was to explore viewpoint selection in active visual search. Subject eye and head movements were tracked as they moved freely while searching for toy objects in a controlled 3-dimensional environment, yielding the first such record of search-driven viewpoint selection. We found that subjects utilized their full range of eye and head motion to move from viewpoint to viewpoint, apparently employing a variety of objectives including changing viewing height and pose depending on object 3D pose. Subjects were also adept at selecting unobstructed views to search through otherwise occluded areas with objects. Furthermore, subjects completed the search task with high accuracy, even with no training on the environment. Although no learning was found in terms of accuracy over the duration of the experiment, increases in efficiency were found for other metrics such as response time, number of fixations, and distance travelled, particularly in target present trials where the target was not visible from the starting location. These results paint the story of a visual system that selects and moves to useful and informative views to facilitate the successful execution of an active visual search task, and stresses the significance of active vision research in understanding how vision is used in naturalistic environments.

Determination of Institutional and Individual Factors for the Implementation of the <i>Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka</i>

This study analyzes the multifaceted relationship between institutional and personal determinants that mold the execution of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program at the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication in particular State Islamic Universities (PTKIN) in Central Java and Yogyakarta. The analysis seeks to chart strategic priorities for implementing MBKM in the religious higher education setting. This research uses a qualitative descriptive field study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations, and document reviews from purposively selected informants like faculty heads, lecturers, students, and external partners. The data were evaluated using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, supported by triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing to ensure validity. The study finds that successful MBKM execution is greatly influenced by strategic interunit communication, adaptive organizational structure, and incorporation into existing academic systems. Conversely, key inhibiting elements include bureaucratic rigidity, nonstandardized assessment processes, limited socialization, budgetary constraints, and weak external collaboration. These dynamics reflect the practical application of Pressman & Wildavsky's policy implementation theory, Mazmanian & Sabatier's structural framework, and Lewin's Unfreeze–Change–Refreeze model, demonstrating that effective policy adoption necessitates structural transformation and cultural adaptation. This research is exploratory and context-specific, focusing on selected PTKIN in Central Java and DI Yogyakarta. It does not include longitudinal data or viewpoints from alums and national-level stakeholders, restricting its generalizability. This study contributes to the literature by offering an in-depth policy analysis of MBKM implementation in religious higher education institutions using a combination of classic policy implementation and organizational change theories—an approach infrequently used in previous research in this domain.

Assessment of the effectiveness of a chatbot as a digital educational assistant for parents and schoolchildren in the context of preparation for standardized tests

Importance. In the context of digitalization of education, students and parents face a deficit of structured, reliable and timely information when preparing for the Unified State Exam and Basic State Exam. Based on the survey data, testing and analysis of user feedback, it has been proven that the chatbot significantly increases the availability of information, reduces stress levels and improves the quality of preparation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the chatbot implementation as a digital assistant for parents and students in the Tambov region.Research Methods. The study used an integrated approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the chatbot: a survey of the target audience, analysis of existing educational resources, development of the chatbot, empirical research and statistical data processing.Results and Discussion. The chatbot demonstrated high efficiency in eliminating the main difficulties identified at the survey stage. Trust in the information from the chatbot has increased, since it uses only official sources (FIPI, Rosobrnadzor). The results of testing the chatbot showed that 91.2 % of 9th grade students and 93.8 % of 11th grade students report successful query execution. The NPS index is 74–78 %, which indicates a willingness to recommend the service.Conclusion. The introduction of a chatbot as a digital educational assistant for parents and students in the Tambov region is a promising direction in the development of the regional education system. A thorough assessment of the effectiveness of this tool not only confirmed its usefulness, but also identified ways for further improvement, making preparation for the Unified State Exam and the Basic State Exam more accessible.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose remove dense water droplets during fluid-air exchange on the posterior surface of intraocular lenses with posterior capsule loss.

The research investigates the efficacy of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) treatment in facilitating the development of compact water droplets on the rear surface of synthetic lenses with capsule imperfections during the process of fluid-air exchange. This study examined four patients with intraocular lens (IOL) implants and posterior capsule defects who experienced the formation of dense water droplets on the posterior surface following fluid-air exchange. When this occurrence obstructs fundus visualization during surgery, it is recommended to suspend the surgical procedure. Upon removal of the non-contact fundoscope and inspection of the IOL, the presence of dense water droplets becomes evident. Subsequently, the removal of bubbles can be achieved by employing a blunt needle filled with HPMC, which is subsequently administered to the area posterior to the intraocular lens. Subsequently, the HPMC should be uniformly distributed on IOL back surface using the blunt needle. During the surgical procedure, it was noted that all patients attained a clear fundus field of vision after the administration of HPMC and insertion of the IOL, facilitating the successful execution of subsequent surgical procedures. HPMC serves as a suitable viscoelastic agent for the elimination of dense water droplets adhered to the surface of intraocular lenses following application, consequently maintaining a clear visual field of the fundus. This surgical intervention is characterized by its efficacy and safety.

Understanding College Teachers' Perception of the Inclusion Policy in Nepal

The Nepalese government adopted an inclusion policy to provide social justice for all. However, the implementation of this policy has created a conflicting situation in the country. This study critically analyzes how social inclusion policies are perceived by college teachers in Nepal, highlighting important obstacles arising from opposing political ideologies and stakeholder interests. The research employs qualitative methods to explore these perceptions. The main aim of this study is to examine information sources of the inclusion policy for making perception, how these sources relate to respondents' perspectives, and identify the key elements influencing respondents' perceptions. Much of the information provided to teachers is based on subjective experiences rather than rational truths. Furthermore, respondents' opinions on the inclusion policy differed greatly depending on their background, expertise, and engagement with public commission services. Some indigenous and non-indigenous people contribute to these misframing social inclusion policy for their own socio and economic benefit, which identifies policy misframing as the result of economic, social, and political opportunities. In the end it recommends better communication and cooperation between government agencies, indigenous organizations, and non-indigenous stakeholders in order to improve comprehension and promote the more successful execution of social inclusion policy throughout Nepal.

Computing Task Offloading in Vehicular Edge Network via Deep Reinforcement Learning

Background: In recent years, with the development of the Internet of Vehicles, a variety of novel in-vehicle application devices have surfaced, exhibiting increasingly stringent requirements for time delay. Vehicular edge networks (VEN) can fully use network edge devices, such as roadside units (RSUs), for collaborative processing, which can effectively reduce latency. Objective: Most extant studies, including patents, assume that RSU has sufficient computing resources to provide unlimited services. But in fact, its computing resources will be limited with the increase in processing tasks, which will restrict the delay-sensitive vehicular applications. To solve this problem, a vehicle-to-vehicle computing task offloading method based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed in this paper, which fully considers the remaining available computational resources of neighboring vehicles to minimize the total task processing latency and enhance the offloading success rate. Methods: In the multi-service vehicle scenario, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was first used to prioritize the computing tasks of user vehicles. Next, an improved sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) computing task scheduling model combined with an attention mechanism was designed, and the model was trained by an actor-critic (AC) reinforcement learning algorithm with the optimization goal of reducing the processing delay of computing tasks and improving the success rate of offloading. A task offloading strategy optimization model based on AHP-AC was obtained on this basis. Results: The average latency and execution success rate are used as performance metrics to compare the proposed method with three other task offloading methods: only-local processing, greedy strategy- based algorithm, and random algorithm. In addition, experimental validation in terms of CPU frequency and the number of SVs is carried out to demonstrate the excellent generalization ability of the proposed method. Conclusion: The simulation results reveal that the proposed method outperforms other methods in reducing the processing delay of tasks and improving the success rate of task offloading, which solves the problem of limited execution of delay-sensitive tasks caused by insufficient computational resources.

Personalization Of Marketing Communications in The Photographic Equipment Trade

This article substantiates the necessity of implementing individualized approaches in the digital retail of photographic equipment. The relevance of the study is driven by the rapid growth in volumes of behavioral and transactional data and the high competitiveness of the online market, where up to 80% of consumers expect personalized offers from brands and are willing to share their data to improve service quality. The objectives of the work are a systematic review of the theoretical foundations of one-to-one marketing, an analysis of the scale of CRM and CDP platform usage, and an assessment of the economic effect of applying algorithmic recommendation systems in the photographic equipment segment. The novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive combination of industry statistics analysis with concrete personalization techniques for photographic equipment, including differentiated content for novices and professionals. For the first time, the author integrates data on the multiplicative effect of personalized scenarios—a 288% increase in conversion and a 369% rise in average order value when interacting with dynamic recommendations—with market development forecasts for accessories and ROI metrics of email campaigns. The main conclusions confirm that the implementation of an end-to-end data → model → offer architecture based on the CRM + CDP linkage and machine learning not only nearly triples purchase likelihood and quadruples average order value but also reduces customer acquisition costs by up to 50%, while simultaneously increasing customer lifetime value and loyalty. Successful strategy execution requires the consolidation of transactional, behavioral, and demographic data, continuous A/B testing, and optimization of content chains according to consumer experience level. This article will be useful for marketers, product managers, and e-commerce executives specializing in photographic equipment sales.

Successful application of PROMILL technology for oil well isolation in Kazakhstan

The article presents the known technological causes of the overflow of the water-gas mixture and reservoir fluid in the behind-the-casing space of a cemented oil and gas well and through a cement plug, and the complications to which they can lead. Continuous work to improve well abandonment technology allowed Wellbore Integrity Solutions to create a highly efficient ProMILL™ system in 2016. The ProMILL system combines a Bridge Plug assembly, a Section Mill, and a high-ratio Underreamer to prepare the foundation for a cement barrier in a single run. During the milling and expansion process, it eradicates all leak paths from the cement fill, while achieving continuous, reliable rock-to-rock zonal isolation. Was presented the results of the successful execution of the First ProMILL Job in Kazakhstan onshore - successful deployment of the 5500 ProMILL for high-grade section milling and outer casing ID scraping in one trip.

MARKETING MANAGEMENT: AN APPROACH BASED ON THE DEFINITION AND CONSIDERATION OF CORPORATE CULTURE

The article comprehensively examines the interplay between marketing management and corporate culture within today's business environment. The research design combines a critical review of the pertinent scholarly literature with logical modelling of the "strategy–culture–marketing" nexus. The authors advance an original definition of corporate culture and outline a conceptual vision of how it can be embedded in marketing management processes. The main findings that define the scientific novelty of this study consist in substantiating the importance of relying on and taking into account both the existing level of corporate culture and the organisation’s objectives for its further development when forming and implementing marketing strategies. This substantiation highlights that such consideration should be integrated into the highest levels of managerial decision-making, through aligning the general elements of the enterprise-wide management system with the marketing management system. Its practical relevance stems from the potential of the proposed approach to serve as a methodological foundation for subsequent investigations and for refining corporate practices across sectors. Although marketing management research is abundant, the interdependence between marketing governance and corporate culture remains underexplored. The article traces the evolution of marketing thought – from the classical views of P. Drucker, F. Kotler and K. Keller to contemporary perspectives endorsed by the American Marketing Association. Special attention is devoted to the marketing mix concept, charting its expansion from the original four Ps to the extended seven Ps and how each element correlates with key components of corporate culture. Issues, directions and prospects for cultural research – values, norms and communication processes – are examined, demonstrating that marketing strategies are highly contingent on cultural maturity. The discussion further considers the roles of corporate, business and functional strategies in marketing management, emphasising that successful strategy execution depends on the level of cultural development. In conclusion, it is necessary to consider cultural factors when developing marketing strategies. A generalised position is formulated according to which marketing management is an approach based on defining and considering corporate culture by identifying specific categories and finding points of contact.

Assessing the Impact of Motor and Coordinative Skills on Vaulting Performance in Junior Gymnasts

This study focuses on analyzing the level of motor and coordinative development in a sample of 10 elite male gymnasts, aged between 10 and 13, selected based on their performance in the vault event at the National Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Given the limited number of athletes in this age category at the national level, the research targeted a group representative of the top performance tier. The methodology included the application of standardized tests aimed at assessing motor abilities (explosive strength, execution speed, joint mobility, general endurance) and coordinative capacities (static and dynamic balance, spatial orientation, rhythm, reaction time). The results revealed a direct correlation between the level of these abilities and the effectiveness of vault execution, highlighting the importance of periodic and objective evaluation of physical and coordinative parameters within the selection and training process. Higher performance was observed in gymnasts with a well-balanced motor profile and advanced coordinative development—key elements in the successful execution of technically complex movements. These findings support the idea that specific evaluations, when integrated into the training program, significantly contribute to optimizing the athletic development process and identifying performance potential in men's artistic gymnastics.

Application of three-dimensional reconstruction technology in preoperative planning of anterolateral thigh flap transplantation

To investigate the application of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology in preoperative planning for anterolateral thigh flap transplantation. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 11 patients with skin and soft tissue defects treated with free anterolateral thigh flap transplantation between January 2022 and January 2024, who met the selection criteria. There were 8 males and 3 females, aged 34-70 years (mean, 50.8 years). Causes of injury included traffic accidents (4 cases), machine trauma (3 cases), heavy object crush injury (3 cases), and tumor (1 case). The time from injury to flap repair ranged from 7 to 35 days (mean, 23 days). Preoperatively, the patients' CT angiography images were imported into Mimics21.0 software. Through the software's segmentation, editing, and reconstruction functions, 3D visualization and measurement of the vascular pedicle, perforators, wound size, and morphology were performed to plan the flap harvest area, contour, vascular pedicle length, and anastomosis site, guiding the implementation of flap transplantation. The length of the vascular pedicle needed by the recipient site was (9.1±0.9) cm, and the maximum length of vascular pedicle in the donor area was (10.6±0.6) cm, with a significant difference ( t=4.230, P<0.001). The operation time ranged from 220 to 600 minutes (mean, 361.9 minutes). One patient had poor wound healing at the recipient site, which healed after dressing changes. All 11 flaps survived well without necrosis. All patients were followed up 6-19 months (mean, 11 months). Four flaps showed bulkiness and underwent secondary debulking; the remaining flaps had good contour and soft texture. The donor sites healed well, with no sensory disturbance around the incision or complications such as walking impairment. Preoperative planning using CT angiography data and 3D reconstruction software can effectively determine the flap area, contour, required vascular pedicle length, anastomosis site, and whether vascular grafting is needed, thereby guiding the successful execution of anterolateral thigh flap transplantation.

Cryptography-Based Secure Underwater Acoustic Communication for UUVs: A Review

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) play an irreplaceable role in marine exploration, environmental monitoring, and national defense. The UUV depends on underwater acoustic communication (UAC) technology to enable reliable data transmission and support efficient collaboration. As the complexity of UUV missions has increased, secure UAC has become a critical element in ensuring successful mission execution. However, underwater channels are inherently characterized by high error rates, limited bandwidth, and signal interference. These problems severely limit the efficacy of traditional security methods and expose UUVs to the risk of data theft and signaling attacks. Cryptography-based security methods are important means to protect data, effectively balancing security requirements and resource constraints. They provide technical support for UUVs to build secure communication. This paper systematically reviews key advances in cryptography-based secure UAC technologies, focusing on three main areas: (1) efficient authentication protocols, (2) lightweight cryptographic algorithms, and (3) fast cryptographic synchronization algorithms. By comparing the performance boundaries and application scenarios of various technologies, we discuss the current challenges and critical issues in underwater secure communication. Finally, we explore future research directions, aiming to provide theoretical references and technical insights for the further development of secure UAC technologies for UUVs.

Evaluating Material Management Practices within Construction Projects Undertaken by the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS)

In the realm of developing economies, the construction industry holds paramount importance, acting as a vital cog in the wheel of economic growth and infrastructure development (Jose, 2013) [27]. Notably, the construction sector significantly contributes to national development by enhancing essential infrastructure and providing employment opportunities. The general objective of the study is to analyze and evaluate the material management practices within construction projects undertaken by the Zambia National Building Society (NBS).Specific Objectives were; To identify the specific material management practices employed by the Zambia National Building Society (NBS) in the construction of housing projects; To determine the factors unique to the Zambia National Building Society (NBS) context that influence the selection of material management strategies in construction projects.; To assess the effectiveness of material management strategies utilized by the Zambia National Building Society (NBS) in construction projects; To analyze the specific challenges encountered by the Zambia National Building Society (NBS) in implementing material management strategies within construction projects. The research design selected for this study is a case study, which has been widely recognized for its suitability in investigating complex phenomena within real-life contexts. The sample size for this study will be determined based on the principles of saturation in qualitative research. The sampling procedure involved identifying 100 participants through professional networks, industry associations, and recommendations from key informants. The research instruments for this study included semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The data collection procedure involved several steps to ensure comprehensive gathering of information relevant to the research objectives. The data analysis will involved a combination of thematic content analysis for qualitative data and statistical graphical presentation for quantitative data. The mean rating for effective procurement planning (4.3) is significantly higher than the ineffective rating (2.8), with a T-value of 5.12 and a p-value of &lt; 0.001, indicating high effectiveness. The mean rating for effective inventory management (4.0) is significantly higher than the ineffective rating (2.9), with a T-value of 4.75 and a p-value of &lt; 0.001, showing its effectiveness in reducing material wastage. The mean rating for effective vendor management (4.2) is significantly higher than the ineffective rating (3.0), with a T-value of 4.89 and a p-value of &lt; 0.001, highlighting the importance of reliable vendor relationships. The mean rating for effective material handling and storage (4.1) is significantly higher than the ineffective rating (2.7), with a T-value of 5.03 and a p-value of &lt; 0.001, indicating effective material protection practices. The mean rating for effective waste management (3.9) is significantly higher than the ineffective rating (2.6), with a T-value of 4.55 and a p-value of &lt; 0.001, showing its success in minimizing waste. The analysis identifies several key material management practices employed by the Zambia National Building Society in their housing projects. These practices include procurement planning, inventory management, vendor management, material handling and storage, and waste management. The independent T-test analysis confirms that these practices are significantly effective, contributing positively to the successful execution of construction projects. The findings underscore the importance of these practices in enhancing material management efficiency and project outcomes. From the findings most of the companies lack adequate planning of the material with only a small percentage adopting an integrated management plan. A systematic and integrated approach is therefore needed to manage materials and minimize the costs associated with poor materials management.

Barbell Trajectory Patterns and Successful Power Clean Execution: Insights From a Bivariate Functional Principal Component Analysis.

Nagatani, T, Vial, S, Kendall, KL, Comfort, P, and Haff, GG. Barbell trajectory patterns and successful power clean execution: Insights from a bivariate functional principal component analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-Coaches frequently analyze the bar path during weightlifting movements using graphical representations. Although this analysis method helps understand the biomechanics of weightlifting technique, researchers have not thoroughly examined how specific bar path patterns relate to successful power clean performance. Therefore, 25 strength-power athletes (height: 1.78 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 88.0 ± 15.0 kg, age: 27.2 ± 4.0 years, relative 1 repetition maximum [1RM] of power clean: 1.22 ± 0.16 kg·kg-1, power clean experience range: 4.2 ± 2.1 years) were recruited from local weightlifting clubs to determine the barbell trajectory patterns that relate to successful power clean performance. All subjects completed a 1RM power clean test where barbell trajectory data from the heaviest successful lift and the heaviest unsuccessful lift were analyzed. A bivariate functional principal component analysis was applied to the extracted barbell trajectory data to determine whether these data could distinguish between successful and unsuccessful maximal power clean attempts. Successful power clean attempts were characterized by a higher vertical barbell displacement at the power position and a greater peak vertical velocity during the second pull, resulting in overall higher maximum vertical barbell displacement compared with unsuccessful attempts. Therefore, coaches should reinforce techniques that ensure that the barbell reaches a high point at the initiation of the second pull (i.e., power position). This can be related to achieving an overall high vertical barbell displacement at the end of the second pull and during the catch, which may enable athletes to lift heavier loads during maximal testing and daily training sessions.

“The DESCRIBE-ALS-FTD study: a prospective multicenter observational study of the ALS-FTD spectrum”

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) exhibit significant clinical, genetic and neuropathological abnormalities, and are regarded as belonging to a common disease spectrum, referred to as the ALS-FTD spectrum disorders. Our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these diseases has advanced significantly, including molecular neuropathology, genetics and molecular pathophysiology. The heterogeneity of these diseases poses significant challenges to translational research and drug development, particularly in sporadic cases. Consequently, there is an urgent need to improve patient stratification for the successful execution of future clinical trials. Methods/Results: We here describe the study design of the DESCRIBE-ALS/FTD study which aims to address this research gap by undertaking a systematic sampling of patients from the ALS FTD spectrum, encompassing all possible disease variants. The main objective of the study is to systematically document detailed cross-sectional phenotyping and the temporal progression of motor and neuropsychological abnormalities that occur in both ALS and FTD. Additionally, it seeks to systematically correlate these abnormalities with genetics and potentially predictive biomarkers including longitudinal biomaterial sampling, brain imaging and brain banking. Furthermore, first-degree relatives of patients with disease-causing gene variants undergo the same assessments to also sample presymptomatic risk gene carriers. Conclusion: With this prospective registry study we aim to generate datasets which will help researchers identifying different disease traits in people with sporadic and genetic ALS and FTD and to develop biomarkers to identify preclinical and prodromal disease stages.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Primary Immunodeficiencies in Morocco

Introduction The allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant represents the true curative treatment for several types of primary immunodeficiency or primary immune deficiency disorders. This therapeutic approach allows for the reconstitution of the immune system and helps control infections through the introduction of memory T cells. Study We conducted a retrospective study, reporting on 13 cases of hematopoietic stem cell transplants performed in various bone marrow transplant units for children with primary immune deficiencies, followed up in the primary immunodeficiency unit of the Pediatrics 1 department at the Children’s Hospital of Casablanca over a period from 2010 to 2024. The aim of our study is to explore the indications, methods and procedures, results, and complications in our series and then compare them with the data and recent series in international literature. Results The indication for hematopoietic stem cell transplant was severe combined immunodeficiency in 10 cases, HLA class II deficiency in 2 cases, and combined primary immunodeficiency in 1 case. The average age of our patients at the time of transplantation was 32 months. Add the average transplant delay. In 8 cases, the donor was a fully matched sibling, and in 5 cases, a haploidentical parent. The graft source was marrow in all cases. Eight patients received conditioning, compared to 5 who did not. Graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis was administered in 9 patients in our series, using ciclosporin in all cases, combined with mycophenolate mofetil in 3 cases or with methotrexate in another case. Only three patients developed acute graft-versus-host disease. The outcome was favorable, with stable and satisfactory immune reconstitution in 10 patients. Two deaths were reported after a median delay of 27 days post-transplant, in the context of sepsis. Finally, one patient experienced graft loss 10 years after the transplant, and a second transplant is being considered. Conclusion Overall, while our series is limited, the results obtained are very promising. Comparison with results from other series shows many similarities and alignments in terms of outcomes, although efforts are still needed to improve transplant timing, treatment accessibility, as well as follow-up methods, especially chimerism. The therapeutic achievement remains the successful execution of haploidentical transplants, which offer a potential donor for each patient.

Determinants of instructors' attitudes toward competency-based curriculum in Tanzanian technical education and training: a correlational study

Instructors play a crucial role in implementing a competency-based curriculum (CBC), and their attitudes are a significant factor for successful execution. However, their attitudes toward CBC in Tanzanian technical education and training (TET) institutions are unknown. Specifically, this study investigated the predictive power of institutional factors (physical resources, management ethos, professional development), CBC attributes (relative advantage, complexity, observability, and compatibility), and instructors' profiles on attitudes toward CBC in Tanzania TET institutions. A quantitative correlational research design was employed to generate data. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study areas, TET institutions, and instructors. A total of 337 instructors from 50 TET institutions across three regions - Mwanza, Dodoma, and Arusha - participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression. Findings revealed that institutional factors, CBC attributes, and instructors' profiles, especially age, teaching experience and CBC training, significantly predict instructors' attitudes toward the CBC. However, gender, education level, and promotion rank were not statistically significant predictors. The study recommends capacity building for instructors, establishing a collaborative network for curriculum planning between TET institutions and regulatory bodies, and effective resource allocation and infrastructure improvements. These provide the foundation for enhancing instructors' attitudes while improving CBC implementation by focusing on key principles, addressing systemic challenges, and improving educational outcomes in Tanzania's TET sector.

Singularity of Lambert Problem for Lunar Flyby

In deep space exploration missions involving lunar flybys, to ensure the successful execution of the lunar gravity assist (LGA), one or more trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs) are typically required before the perilune. The concept of singularity suggests that targeting future states either requires a significant amount of maneuvering or cannot be calculated within a finite iteration time. To mitigate the high computational costs associated with TCMs determined via the differential correction method, it is essential to analyze the singularity of the Lambert problem in the lunar flyby. This study demonstrates that the singularity of the Lambert problem in Keplerian orbits exhibits transferability in lunar flybys under the three-body model by using the Lagrange coefficients and pseudostate theory. This transferability is validated through the determinant theory of the state transition matrix (STM), which is further extendable to other three-body systems. Furthermore, this study elucidates the applicability of singularity in lunar flybys under the three-body model through numerical simulations in both prograde and retrograde motions, considering different arguments of perilune. These derivations and simulations establish criteria for assessing singularity, facilitating the rapid identification of positions associated with high maneuver costs. The conclusions drawn from this study have been validated using the ephemeris model. It is shown that it is possible to preemptively circumvent singularities and enhance the robustness of the guidance algorithm in practical lunar flyby missions.

Exploring Analytical and Deep Learning Solutions for High-Degree-of-Freedom Inverse Kinematics

Abstract This paper presents a comparative study of analytical and deep learning (DL) approaches for solving the inverse kinematics (IK) problem in high-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic manipulators, focusing on the Lunar Exploration Rover System (LERS). The IK problem, central to robotic motion control, is traditionally solved using analytical methods, but recent advances in deep learning provide new opportunities to enhance precision and efficiency. The study evaluates the performance of DL Neural Networks, in addressing the complexities of high-DOF manipulators. A detailed comparison is conducted between traditional geometric solutions and DL-based models, with an emphasis on robustness and computational efficiency under noisy conditions. The results demonstrate the potential of DL methods to outperform traditional techniques in high-DOF environments, paving the way for future advancements in autonomous robotic systems. In addition to the IK study, the paper discusses the design and integration of the LERS robotic system, which plays a critical role in advancing autonomous lunar exploration under the ARTEMIS program. As part of this international collaboration involving NASA, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), LERS is tasked with supporting both crewed and unmanned missions on the Moon. LERS is designed to perform precise robotic manipulation tasks such as deploying infrastructure, gathering scientific data, and managing lunar resources, all of which are vital for future missions to Mars. The implementation of advanced IK solutions is key to enabling the precise control of LERS’s robotic arms, allowing for the successful execution of complex tasks such as assembling habitats, handling materials, and conducting scientific analyses on the lunar surface. This work highlights the importance of IK in ensuring that robotic systems like LERS can operate with the precision needed for the next generation of lunar missions.